Tottenham look to beat Liverpool in the race to sign Brazilian star Willian

The midfielder's club, Anzhi, are looking to offload the 25-year-old in the hope of easing their current financial problems with other star names Samuel Eto'o and Chris Samba also available for transfer.

Negotiations to bring Willian to Liverpool are already underway, however Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to trump their bid and bring the playmaker to White Hart Lane.

The move would see Tottenham smash their transfer record for the third time this summer after the arrivals of firstly Paulinho from Corinthians for £17m and secondly Valencia's Roberto Soldado for £26m.

Willian is being tracked by a number of Premier League clubs

The 25-year-old in action against Chelsea in last season's Champions League

The Brazilian scored on his visit to Stamford Bridge

“Liverpool remain confident that they can convince Willian to reject the advances of Spurs and join the club”

Liverpool remain confident that they can convince Willian to reject the advances of Spurs and join the club.

Manchester United confirmed they have no interest in pursuing a move for the player, however Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring the latest developments.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk man, who scored against Chelsea in the Champions League last season, is set to fly to England to discuss both potential moves with a decision expected in the next couple of days.

Willian, who has only made 15 appearances for Anzhi, impressed during a six season stint in the Ukraine making 222 appearances for Donetsk netting 37 times.